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ERIC Number: EJ1061228
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2015
Pages: 19
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-2292-8588
EISSN: N/A
Use and Perception of Second Life by Distance Learners: The Effects of Orientation Session Timing
Murray, Jo-Anne; Littleton, Fiona; Dozier, Marshal
International Journal of E-Learning & Distance Education, v30 n1 2015
Evidence suggests that Second Life (SL) is well received by those studying at a distance; however, little has been done to evaluate how a structured orientation session may affect students' use and perception of SL. Consequently, this study explored orientation timing and its effect on a group of students registered in a part-time distance education master's degree program at a large UK University open to international students. An online survey was designed and administered to assess students' use and perception of SL use and whether these variables changed based on the timing of orientation to SL and its subsequent use. A series of Likert-type scale items were organized to gather the following information: student demographics; and students' experience with, and thoughts of, SL. Results indicated that the use of an orientation session close to subsequent use of SL for learning activities did positively affect students' use and perception of SL. Consequently, recommendations from the current findings suggest that if educators foresee a pedagogical benefit to using SL then it is important to ensure that students are provided with a timely and structured orientation to prior to its utilization.
Canadian Network for Innovation in Education. 260 Dalhousie Street Suite 204, Ottawa, ON K1N 7E4, Canada. Tel: 613-241-0018; Fax: 613-241-0019; e-mail: journalofde@gmail.com; Web site: http://www.ijede.ca/index.php/jde
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: United Kingdom
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A